First, does anyone have experience with the brand and are they reliable? They're far less expensive than similar spec'd supplies from other manufacturers. Second, will a switch mode supply give me clean enough power to directly plug into microcontroller/digital logic projects, or will I need to use an additional linear regulator (7805 or similar)? This will be my main use for the supply, and perhaps I may use it to power a few motors one day. Having a hard time deciding whether my application calls for linear or if I should go with the switch mode. Any other power-related recommendations? Thanks!

I have one that is similar to the linear you pointed to. The difference is that the displays are analog. I haven't had any issues with it and it was used when I got it. It was purchased from the college I went to after they upgraded all the lab equipment. I agree with #12 that the 30 volt model will be a fine choice. You already said that you plan on using it mostly for microcontrollers and the sort so it would be unlikely that you will need more voltage.

I have one of Matechs: the 3030D. Your link is a best site to buy a Mastech brand supply because there are many other sites that sell similar looking units or identical brands, but they may not be made the same. For over 10 years, various users at the RCgroups forum have bought from Sean, the guy at Mastech, and have been happy with their purchases. Its what convinced me to get one 2 years ago. Several owners have posted tear downs and performance reviews on eevblog.com forum.

That said, all is not peachy with the 3030D. The best is the published specs are accurate when pulling rated load, in this case 32V, 3A. However, the voltmeter sense leads are improperly placed and it has a fairly high internal resistance as a voltage source, so as loads increases, the voltmeter reading is increasingly off, you'll need a DMM across the load to monitor it properly. The current reading is accurate. Its easy to mod to correct the problem, but I haven't had the time.

The LED models are better if you work indoors, its easier to see at any angle compared to backlit LCD, this one is a particular popular:

Great info, thanks! I noticed on Amazon that there are units with different brand names that look identical and use the same model numbers as the Mastech; I figured that was par for course with Chinese-made electronics, but it's good to know that they're not all the same and I'll definitely be sure to buy mine from the site I linked. Also good call about LED's being easier to read at an angle than LCD's, I was leaning toward the LCD version but will be going with the LED one instead.

Glad it helps. Note, if you buy from Sean email him too, because sometimes the stock status may not be accurate.

S&H can be costly, given the weight of the linear supplies. Expect $25-35 for shipping atop the price.

If you are experienced with repairing or restoring used electronics, better option are eBay used Agilent 36xx series linear supplies, which goes for under $200, delivered. They are either dual or single supplies in various power output capacities. Other great options are vintage analog scale Kikusui, Kenwood, [Japanese made] Sorensen or Power Designs [ USA made] supplies. They can be had far cheaper and are far better made and spec'd, but you have to known how to spot a good deal, many old supplies are best if well used compared to one that has been unused, due the risk of electrolytic capacitor dielectric decay.

Finally, linear beats SMPS for most lab uses, because of far less than 1/10th less noise, and that's comparing linear versus SMPS from Agilent's line. With the Chinese brands, you never know.